What: Launch of the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Innovation Park 
When: 10am, Monday 9 August 2004
Where: Convention Centre, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 

The NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute and Charles Sturt University (CSU) will forge a new alliance when an agreement is signed for the formation of the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Innovation Park. 

“The vision for the Park is a world-class institution driving sustainable and profitable agricultural industries through a cooperative approach to research, education, extension and training,” said NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Director-General, Barry Buffier.

“This agreement and the activities and collaboration that follow will help revitalise Australian agriculture through research and education and ensure the sector is key player in the Australian economy,” said CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter.

The agreement will be signed on Monday 9 August by NSW Minister for Primary Industries the Hon Ian Macdonald MLC, NSW Department of Primary Industries Director-General, Mr Barry Buffier, CSU Chancellor Lawrie Willett and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter.

The Park, based at NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute and CSU’s Wagga Wagga Campus where agricultural research and education has a 110 year history,  will host about 150 scientists, making it one of the most significant research partnerships in Australia. 

Research in agriculture and natural resource management, undergraduate and postgraduate education, agricultural extension advisory services and training will be the core activities of the Park.

Amid plans for a combined pool of scientists in key research areas, the Park will capitalise on integrated research efforts and enhance the ability of both organisations working together to attract competitive project funding.